1. What experience will you bring that has prepared you to be a strong Illinois state house representative?
I am a lifelong resident of the 40th District and have served this community in the Illinois House since 2013. As the son of immigrants, a union member, and a working parent, my lived experience shapes my legislative work expanding immigrant protections, healthcare access, housing affordability, and worker rights. I bring a proven record of delivering results while remaining accountable to the communities most impacted by state policy.
2. Do you have a connection to the Asian American community in the 40th District? If so, can you share about that connection?
Yes. I have worked with the Asian American community in the 40th District for nearly 30 years, beginning in 1996 in the 33rd Ward office, including supporting the designation of Lawrence Avenue as Seoul Drive and assisting Korean owned businesses such as Jinny Products on Kimball Avenue, which employs hundreds of local residents. I have consistently fought to fully fund Asian American nonprofits like HANA Center through ICCR, partner with AFIRE on immigration workshops, and meet regularly with community leaders to advance their budget and policy priorities.
3. What will be your number one priority if (re)elected?
My top priority is protecting immigrant families while making life more affordable and stable for working people. Families in our district face rising costs alongside fear of federal immigration enforcement, and Illinois must remain a firewall against policies that harm our communities. I will continue fighting to lower costs and strengthen immigrant protections.
4. Life is becoming more and more unaffordable- rising grocery prices, utility bills, housing costs and more. What would you do to support people in your district who are struggling to make ends meet?
I have focused on lowering everyday costs by eliminating the grocery tax, cutting utility bills, expanding affordable housing, canceling medical debt, and strengthening tenant protections. I support progressive revenue solutions that close corporate loopholes so Illinois can invest in housing, healthcare, and community services without burdening working families.
5. How would you ensure the state of Illinois can fund healthcare access for all, regardless of immigration status?
Healthcare is a human right, and no one should fear seeking care because of cost or immigration status. I support progressive taxation, closing corporate loopholes, and policies that protect patient privacy while expanding access to affordable healthcare statewide. Illinois must continue investing in inclusive healthcare systems, and that is why I have always supported expanded healthcare coverage for undocumented populations.
6. What do you see as the major needs of the immigrant community in the 40th district? How will you address these needs?
Immigrant families need safety, stability, and access to essential services. I have supported laws that restrict ICE activity at sensitive locations, limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and expand protections for immigrant communities. I will continue working to strengthen the TRUST Act and invest in community based supports.
7. Inclusion of Asian American history is now mandated in Illinois Public Schools, but implementation has been haphazard at best. What will you do to ensure Asian American and all people’s histories are well integrated and standardized into our public schools curriculum?
Implementation requires funding, training, and accountability. I support fully funding public education so schools can properly train educators and develop strong curriculum in partnership with Asian American community organizations. Students deserve an education that reflects their histories and identities.
8. If ICE agents were to come to District 40 in force, how would you respond? Do you support abolishing ICE?
I would publicly stand with the community and use every state-level tool available to protect residents. I support restricting ICE activity, preventing state cooperation with harmful enforcement, and abolishing ICE as it currently exists. Illinois must continue to lead in defending immigrant communities.
9. What legislation would you propose to address public safety issues in the district?
Public safety requires prevention, trust, and stability. I support commonsense gun safety laws, investments in community based violence prevention, mental health services, and alternatives to incarceration. Housing stability, healthcare access, and good jobs are essential to safe and thriving communities.